Name:
Amber Bjel
Where are you based?:
Los Angeles
Job Title:
Senior Graphic Designer
How long have you worked at AvantStay?
Almost 3 years!
How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field?:
I help design all sorts of things that have our logo on them! This includes, but is not limited to, logos, branded swag, all types of signage, art/wallpaper, social posts, presentations, emails, videos, and other miscellaneous marketing materials. I also brainstorm and create branded moments for our guests and homeowners, and assist in ideating and executing marketing campaigns. In addition, I manage the online swag store where anyone can purchase our fun merch that I’ve helped source and design!
How do you like to start your work day?
I like to start by rolling out of bed, grabbing a chocolate protein shake from this huge pack I get from Costco, and sipping away while catching up on my Slack messages and emails and checking on my list of tasks for the week. If I have a lot of meetings that day and don’t feel like my jammies aren’t cute enough for a Google Meet, I might change my outfit before I start my work day too.
What teams do you collaborate the most with at work?
The marketing, design/procurement, and field ops teams.
What is your favorite thing about working at AvantStay?
I love how amazing all my coworkers are and being able to visit our awesome properties whenever I want! I’ve stayed at so many AvantStay’s with friends and family and it’s always an amazing time. It’s also really cool to see my designs come to life when I spot something I’ve made at our homes!
What advice would you give to someone looking to join your team?
Make sure you keep up with the latest Instagram/TikTok trends so you aren’t confused about the videos we share and understand our meme references.
What is something that you’re proud of that you’ve accomplished in your role?
I think the design of our first hotel, The Wesley in Palm Springs. With my interior design direction and custom art and wallpaper, the talented AvantStay team transformed this building into something much more than just a rest stop. Because of the pops of pink and the lively, eclectic design, The Wesley has become a popular spot for influencers and celebrities. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen one of my internet friends post the cutest content from their stay at the Wesley and booked it without me knowing because they thought it was such a cute place. My favorite part of the Wesley is the “Instagrammable moment” I designed which is the pink wall that has a neon sign that says “Good Times Are Calling” with vintage phones hung underneath. I thought it would be the perfect setup for people to take pics with their friends while holding their phones like they’re calling each other.
A close second for something I’m proud of is the photobooth at our Monkey Tree hotel. It’s designed by me from head to toe including the Monkey Tree’s logo. It’s such a fun thing to have at our property because it prints and emails you the photos you take, so you have a physical and digital memento from your stay.
Which AvantStay is on your bucket list?
It’s got to be Buena Vista in Coachella Valley. I’ve probably used Buena Vista’s photos the most out of all of our properties in so many designs, so it’s only fitting I go see it in person. It’s gorgeous with its huge blue lake and the interior design is one of my favorites. I also designed the logo for the estate and the neon signs hung up around the house so I would love to see how they turned out! Definitely will be taking a photo in the infinity hot tub with the desert sunset and mountains in the background.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve never been to Asia even though I am half Filipino. Hopefully changing that next year!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Thrift shopping even though there is no more room in my 4 closets.
Before working at AvantStay, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I started an online vintage clothing business when I was 13 and it taught me so many things that I definitely use at all the jobs I’ve gotten since including this one. I sourced merchandise, photographed and edited photos, managed and marketed the shop, handled customer service, and designed many different logos for the brand all throughout high school and college.
What is your favorite AvantStay memory?
Our last Marketing offsite in Destin, Florida was amazing. The team grew so much since the last time we had an offsite so it was awesome finally getting to meet everyone. It was also my first time on the east coast and our homes there are gorgeous. I loved having fun with the team with all the activities we did, especially winning the sand castle contest with our AvantMermaid.
What’s your favorite Slack channel?
My favorite Slack channel is #avantstay-moments because I love seeing all the amazing gift spreads that the Field Team creates with our branded merch.
What’s your favorite AvantStay employee perk?
The unlimited PTO combined with the AvantStay booking credits.
What has working at AvantStay taught you the most?
How to juggle a lot of different responsibilities at once. When I started, our Marketing team was super small and basically just 3 people so I was doing graphic design, influencer marketing, photography/photo editing, copywriting, social media managing, and swag sourcing and designing all at once. Definitely peak startup vibes! Now we have a super talented Marketing team that has mini teams that handle all of those branches of marketing, so I can really focus on my favorite which is graphic design!
Where is your favorite vacation spot and why?
So far, it’s been Hawaii. Can’t beat those beaches! Took my AvantStay water bottle and hats with me of course.
